Bill > HB4199

This bill establishes a three-year "Tri-Share Workforce Pilot Program" managed by the Department of Human Services, designed to help parents and caretakers participate in the workforce by sharing the cost of child care for children aged birth to eight. The program operates on a cost-sharing model where employers, employees, and the state each contribute up to one-third of the total child care expenses, with parents covering the remainder. Eligibility for employees is limited to those whose household income falls between 150% and 250% of the Federal Poverty Level and who are not already receiving child care subsidies. The pilot program will initially be implemented in two urban and four rural counties, selected based on employer interest and workforce needs, with the goal of testing the feasibility of providing high-quality, affordable child care. If the pilot program proves effective in improving child care stability, affordability, access, and quality, the Department of Human Services will be directed to implement a similar program statewide. The Department is also required to submit annual reports to the Legislature detailing program participation, child care availability and costs, and the program's impact on assisting parents in the workforce or accessing training, with a final evaluation conducted in consultation with the Oklahoma Incentive Evaluation Commission. The total funding for this pilot program is capped at $2,000,000, and the act is set to become effective on November 1, 2026.

Budget and Finance

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb4199&Session=2600